Which Building Survey is the right choice?

Homebuyer Report in Barnstaple

A RICS Homebuyer Report should be chosen when purchasing a property made of conventional materials i.e. brick & tile, in reasonable order and built in the last 100 years.

Building Survey in Barnstaple

A RICS Building Survey (previously called a Full Structural Survey in Barnstaple) is also carried out by a MRICS/FRICS accredited surveyor and is more thorough. Select this for non standard e.g. timber wall or older houses.

Property Valuation Report in Barnstaple

This is a professional surveyor valuation . It is typically chosen by mortgage free buyers or someone needing a formal valuation e.g. a dispute.

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Barnstaple Surveyors

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Should I choose a HomeBuyer Report, Full Structural Survey or Building Survey for a house in Barnstaple and which one would be the cheapest?

The Full Structural Survey has been renamed a Building Survey but is effectively the same level of survey.

If the Barnstaple property is a flat, or is over 100 years old, or has been structurally modified, or is built of unusual materials, RICS advise the cheaper HomeBuyer Report.

If you are planning to carry out any major works, it would be better that you book a Building Survey instead. This survey is not as cheap as a HomeBuyer Report but it does offer an in-depth analysis of the Barnstaple property's state of repair along with more detailed advice on defects and maintenance options .

For more details get an instant Barnstaple House Survey Quote or call 0800 038 6667 to speak to a member of our team.

Will a Barnstaple surveyor go into detail on the condition or the safety of the gas supply?

The chartered surveyor will visually examine the accessible parts of the gas system. This will include whether the meter is in an escape route at the property, in addition to gas connected fixtures for example - the condition of gas piping in loft spaces. Gas fittings won't be dislodged. Gas is potentially dangerous, if you have any concerns about gas fittings, call a gas engineer.

We have learnt that Barnstaple properties built on clay soil can experience problems. Will a Barnstaple Property Survey look into this?

Factors from dry rot to groundwater flooding can cause significant expense for a home-owner. Clay-rich soil, for example, is a potential source of a range of issues. Subsidence is one obvious concern, but there are others, including moisture changes in the soil. There are two terms used to describe clay soils likely to be problematic, 'expansive' and 'reactive'. If a home owner is aware that the surrounding soil has a high clay content, they should monitor for possible signs, such as a hard-to-open bedroom door. Fortunately, there are steps a home owner can take. Your surveyor should refer to maintenance options in their report, like monitoring the moisture content of the soil around the foundations, and taking steps to keep the level reasonably stable. If soil moisture levels must be kept stable, uniform spread of the moisture is essential. Subsidence and heave can be caused by a general increase or decrease in moisture, but isolated patches of wet and dry can just as easily warp foundations, putting them under even greater pressure.

Will there be any concerns we need to consider when planning to buy an extended house in Barnstaple inside a conservation area ?

There are thousands of designated conservation areas throughout England and Wales, responsibility for which lies with local authorities.

A Building Surveyors must possess relevant knowledge of local issues and the bearing may have on the property. Prices will be greater as a result of the areas being in good order. However a large number have fallen into a poor state e.g. ugly satellite dishes

Property surveyors will tell you if the house might be within a conservation area and Section I Issues for your legal
advisers of a Homebuyer Report will suggest additional enquiries are carried out as part of the legal process. Out of keeping changes to the building may be advised but these are really more a concern for your lawyer. Samuels are based in 18 Alexandra Road, North Devon, Devon, EX32 8BA might be able to help. Tel: 01271 343457

Should I choose a HomeBuyer Report, Full Structural Survey or Building Survey for a house in Barnstaple and which one would be the cheapest?

The Full Structural Survey has been renamed a Building Survey but is effectively the same level of survey.

If the Barnstaple property is a flat, or is over 100 years old, or has been structurally modified, or is built of unusual materials, RICS advise the cheaper HomeBuyer Report.

If you are planning to carry out any major works, it would be better that you book a Building Survey instead. This survey is not as cheap as a HomeBuyer Report but it does offer an in-depth analysis of the Barnstaple property's state of repair along with more detailed advice on defects and maintenance options .

For more details get an instant Barnstaple House Survey Quote or call 0800 038 6667 to speak to a member of our team.

Will a Barnstaple surveyor go into detail on the condition or the safety of the gas supply?

The chartered surveyor will visually examine the accessible parts of the gas system. This will include whether the meter is in an escape route at the property, in addition to gas connected fixtures for example - the condition of gas piping in loft spaces. Gas fittings won't be dislodged. Gas is potentially dangerous, if you have any concerns about gas fittings, call a gas engineer.

We have learnt that Barnstaple properties built on clay soil can experience problems. Will a Barnstaple Property Survey look into this?

Factors from dry rot to groundwater flooding can cause significant expense for a home-owner. Clay-rich soil, for example, is a potential source of a range of issues. Subsidence is one obvious concern, but there are others, including moisture changes in the soil. There are two terms used to describe clay soils likely to be problematic, 'expansive' and 'reactive'. If a home owner is aware that the surrounding soil has a high clay content, they should monitor for possible signs, such as a hard-to-open bedroom door. Fortunately, there are steps a home owner can take. Your surveyor should refer to maintenance options in their report, like monitoring the moisture content of the soil around the foundations, and taking steps to keep the level reasonably stable. If soil moisture levels must be kept stable, uniform spread of the moisture is essential. Subsidence and heave can be caused by a general increase or decrease in moisture, but isolated patches of wet and dry can just as easily warp foundations, putting them under even greater pressure.

Will there be any concerns we need to consider when planning to buy an extended house in Barnstaple inside a conservation area ?

There are thousands of designated conservation areas throughout England and Wales, responsibility for which lies with local authorities.

A Building Surveyors must possess relevant knowledge of local issues and the bearing may have on the property. Prices will be greater as a result of the areas being in good order. However a large number have fallen into a poor state e.g. ugly satellite dishes

Property surveyors will tell you if the house might be within a conservation area and Section I Issues for your legal
advisers of a Homebuyer Report will suggest additional enquiries are carried out as part of the legal process. Out of keeping changes to the building may be advised but these are really more a concern for your lawyer. Samuels are based in 18 Alexandra Road, North Devon, Devon, EX32 8BA might be able to help. Tel: 01271 343457